Ruthe M. Zirbes, nee Steenbergen, age 89, a resident of Winfield, died Thursday, August 7, 2014, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. She was born October 19, 1924 in Fairmount, Illinois to Virgil and Charlotte Steenbergen.

Ruthe grew up in Hoopeston, IL where she graduated from high school. She moved to Chicago and worked as a secretary for the Rock Island Railroad where she met Theodore Zirbes. They were married on June 11, 1949. While raising 8 children she worked at Hines VA Medical Center from 1964 until she retired in 1985.

She is survived by her children, Theodore (Arlene) Zirbes of Streamwood, Michael (Lee Ann) Zirbes of Plainfield, Daniel (Robin) Zirbes of Fairhope, AL, John (Pam) Zirbes of Hanover Park, Kevin (Beth) Zirbes of Winfield, Keith (Lin) Zirbes of Hoffman Estates, Stephen (Karla) Zirbes of Hortonville, WI, and Mary (Dave)Tucker of Pittsburg, PA, 15 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Theodore in 1998, two grandchildren, and two brothers and three sisters.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 12, from 3 until 9 at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton, where prayers will be held on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. A mass will follow prayers at 10:00 a.m. at Shrine of Christ the King. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton, Illinois.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.